Page:The New Life (Rossetti 1899) Siddal ed.djvu/42

36 cause, as will be plain to him that understands. And the sonnet was this:—

ye that pass along Love's trodden way,

Pause ye awhile and say

If there be any grief like unto mine:

I pray you that you hearken a short space

Patiently, if my case

Be not a piteous marvel and a sign.

Love (never, certes, for my worthless part,

But of his own great heart,)

Vouchsafed to me a life so calm and sweet

That oft I heard folk question as I went

What such great gladness meant:—

They spoke of it behind me in the street.

But now that fearless bearing is all gone

Which with Love's hoarded wealth was given me;

Till I am grown to be

So poor that I have dread to think thereon.